Inspiration

Head about 300km north of London and you’ll find the UK’s third largest city, a place that has had a tremendous impact on England’s history. Manchester has always been known as a working-class city ever since the start of the industrial revolution. While it certainly has its fair share of landmarks and sites of interest, the city doesn’t have the grandeur of London to the south nor the famous reputation as a tourist destination. Though this contrast doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not worthy of a trip and in fact, many argue the gay scene in Manchester is the best you’ll find in the all the UK. From gin bars and art galleries to history museums and gay bars galore, Manchester is a great weekend getaway with a character all on its own.

There are two kinds of vacations that attract two kinds of people. First, there’s the the “lay on the beach and tan while sipping a cocktail” vacationer. Then there’s the active “grab a backpack and climb a mountain” type of traveler. Relaxing vacations are nice, but the great thing about an active adventure is that it’s good for the mind, body and soul. Aside from the obvious benefits of exercise, the ascent up a mountain is a rewarding experience. Getting drunk on the beach is fun, but it really can’t compare to testing the limits of your body and to the comradery of hiking with a group up a difficult path. There are many group tours you can join to do various hikes around the world, and for the LGBT traveler there are some great gay group tours. Here are three incredible options for gay adventure seekers.

Key West is a popular, year-round destination for LGBT travelers looking to relax in the warm Florida sun, but is its small island neighbor just a hundred miles to the south a hot spot for gay travelers too? With the new travel laws allowing more Americans to visit Cuba, that looks to be the case. Both islands enjoy warm waters and a tropical climate with little difference between the coldest and warmest months so it’s not hard to understand their appeal. Though they may be close in proximity, they offer unique and contrasting experiences for LGBT visitors.

What comes to mind when you think of a gay destination? Some might think of gay hotspots like Palm Springs or Fire Island which for decades have been havens for LGBT people looking to escape and take a vacation with their friends or significant other. Others might imagine the places that host major circuit parties like Barcelona, Mykonos or Miami. But as the landscape of both tourist destinations and LGBT rights have changed over the past decades, so too have the opportunities and desires for those looking for something new.

If you’ve never considered a visit to Colombia, now just might be the right time. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Out in Colombia Travel to share both some cool new and old things about this amazing country. Based in Medellin, this LGBT-focused tour operator can help you plan an awesome trip. It’s run by our longtime friend Sam, who several years ago moved from the US to Colombia and now is an expert in everything gay travel Colombia has to offer.

Well-established on the LGBT travel map, it’s likely either you or someone you know has raved about this sea-side Mediterranean city. And for good reason – Barcelona boasts a cosmopolitan and welcoming environment for all types of travelers from every corner of the globe. Barcelona is one of those cities that has so much to offer, you can never see it all.